Tim Chester has written the perfect book to help people approach the Bible. Though it would help Christians at any point in their journey, it’s especially instructive to those who are new at wrestling with the Bible. Along the way, Mr. Chester will both enlighten the reader on the doctrine of the Bible and give some guidance on how to properly study the Bible. Through quality writing and timely illustrations, he helps you see that the Bible is no mere book, but a word from God to us.

Though he covers a lot of ground that you also find in other books about the Bible, he certainly traces out his own path. Still, he begins by explaining that the Bible is from a God who speaks. Next, he gives us a particularly helpful chapter on how God spoke in the Bible. This chapter will answer a lot of questions. In the third chapter on God speaking in the Bible, he explains the Holy Spirit’s role. In chapter 4, he sees Jesus as a key theme of Scripture.

Though it is often overlooked by other writers, Mr. Chester explains how the Bible is relational. This chapter really helps you to get your head on straight about the Bible. Likewise, the chapter on the Bible being intentional proves what many critics deny. I enjoyed the chapter explaining that the Bible is enough too. You wouldn’t think that would have to be explained, but many Christians need to hear that message.

In chapter 8, he finally gets to the chapter that’s going to be in any book on the Bible – one discussing its reliability. He does a fine job with that subject, but appropriately uses Spurgeon’s analogy that a lion doesn’t need defending! The chapter on the Bible being accessible will help those who are always looking for some message in code. Hint: it’s not there. He rounds out the book with a chapter about reading the Bible, and a short conclusion on why he loves it.

There’s a substantial study guide at the end of the book. With that resource, every chapter could be turned into a study group discussion.

This book is profitable and is worthy of a wide audience. I highly recommend it.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.